Prickly pear cacti grow all over the Middle East as a seasonal plant where they not only produce tasty fruit but border houses and villages. While most people think the prickly pear is endogenous to the Middle East, the prickly pear plant originated in Mexico and has been incorporated in the South American diet for thousands of years. It has recently gained popularity not only for its flavor but health benefits. Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antioxidant! Read on to know more.
Immune System Booster
The prickly pear has a concentrated content of Vitamin C which can boost the body’s immune response against many infections. Vitamin C is not only responsible for increasing the production of white blood cells that eliminate harmful microorganisms, but also for reducing free radicals in the body.
Stomach Soother
In order to make bowel movements more regular, the prickly pear is often recommended as a dietary supplement. This helps sooth the stomach and improve its health by maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation.
Cancer Cells Fighter
The prickly pear contains flavonoid compounds which can lower the risk of several cancer types: breast, prostate, stomach, pancreatic, ovarian, cervical, and lung. These flavonoids enhance the action of pro-oxidant enzymes in the body and contribute to the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Cholesterol Loss
The high fiber content in the prickly pear can help eliminate LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) from your body. In fact, experiments showed that the pear reduced the levels of cholesterol in the liver. This helps manage hyperlipidemia, the medical term for abnormally high levels of lipids in the blood.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Eating the cactus pear can decrease high levels of glucose in the blood, hence exhibiting its hypoglycemic activity. This happens as the intestinal absorption of glucose is reduced in the body. Therefore, type II diabetes can be better managed as blood sugar levels are well maintained.
Skin and Hair Improvement
Some skin care products have incorporated variations of the prickly pear. This is with the goal of achieving glowing skin and shiny hair. In fact, the vitamin C, betalain pigments, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this fruit are responsible for this characteristic. The seeds are particularly impactful in protecting hair and skin from damage due to oxidative stress that comes with aging, inflammation, or sun exposure.
Enjoy the prickly pear fruit this season! Rich in fiber, antioxidant compounds, and vitamins, it helps you with blood sugar management, a healthier immune system, and more. A final tip is to be mindful of excess consumption to avoid digestive discomfort due to the high fiber content. Besides that, bon appetite.
